Ligament Type Position Function Picture

Coracoacromial Extracapsular From acromion to Prevents superior dislocation of

coracoid process humerus
Glenohumeral (shoulder) joint

Coracohumeral Extracapsular From coracoid process to In upper limb pendant position,

(humeral end is humeral head glenoid fossa faces superiorly &
capsular) laterally
Prevents humeral head going
laterally, and in preventing this,
prevents inferior dislocation of
humeral head

Glenohumeral Capsular Joint capsule, glenoid - Superior: prevents lateral

fossa & ∴ inferior dislocation of
Reinforce anterior part humerus, limits external
of capsule rotation
- Middle: limits external
rotation
- Inferior: prevents anterior
dislocation of humerus
when fully
flexed/abducted, usually
torn during dislocation
 Transverse humeral Capsular Between tubercles Keeps long head of biceps
(greater → lesser brachii in bicipital groove
tubercle)

Costoclavicular Extracapsular & Between rib 1 and Prevents superior dislocation of

Sternoclavicular joint

bilaminar (two layers) clavicle clavicle

Limits protraction & retraction
Sternoclavicular Capsular Between sternum & - Anterior: limits retraction
clavicle (anterior & - Posterior: limits protraction
posterior) Reinforces Sternoclavicular
joint
Interclavicular Extracapsular Between clavicles, above Limits retraction
manubrium
Coracoclavicular Extracapsular Conoid tubercle & - Conoid part: prevents
Acromioclavicular joint

trapezoid line of clavicle superior dislocation of

to coracoid process
- Trapezoid part: limits
clavicle, limits protraction
of scapula, produces
posterior axial rotation of
clavicle (only ligament to
produce movement)
retraction of scapula,
prevents superior and
lateral dislocation of
clavicle
 Radial Collateral Extracapsular? Lateral epicondyle of - Prevents varus deformity
(Lateral ligament humerus to blend with (distal segment deviates
complex) annular ligament on inwards)
insertion onto radial - Posterior part limits flexion
notch of ulna & anterior part limits
extension
- Prevents rotation
Elbow joint

Ulnar collateral Extracapsular? Medial epicondyle of - Prevents valgus deformity

(Medial ligament humerus to coronoid (distal segment deviates
complex) process (anterior) & outwards)
medial edge of - Posterior part limits
Olecranon (posterior) flexion, anterior part limits
extension
- Prevents rotation

Annular Extracapsular Superior radioulnar joint - 80% of the articular surface

Wraps around head of of the superior radioulna
Radioulnar Joint

radius, attaches to joint

anterior & posterior - Joint surface, holds radius
margins of radial notch & ulna together
on ulna - Allows movements of
pronation & supination
 Muscle Attachments Action/Function Image
Pectoralis Major - Sternal head: Adduction, medial
sternum to lateral lip rotation, flexion
of intertubercular
groove Innervated by lateral
- Clavicular head: and medial pectoral
clavicle to humerus nerves (C5-T1)

Latissimus Dorsi - Axial skeleton (T6-S5, Swimming muscles

iliac crest, ribs 9-12), Adduction, medial
inferior angle of rotation, extension
scapula, to floor of
intertubercular
groove
- Sits next to teres Innervated by
major thoracodorsal nerve
(C6-8 with C7
predominant)

Deltoid - Shoulder girdle Anterior: flexion &

(scapular spine, abduction
acromion & clavicle) Medial: main
& deltoid tuberosity abductor
(humerus) Posterior: extension,
- 3 parts not very well abduction, external
differentiated rotation
- Oblique,
multipennate Innervated by
axillary nerve

Coracobrachialis - Coracoid process to Shoulder adduction

mid shaft of humerus & flexion
- Deep to short head
of biceps
Innervated by
musculocutaneous
nerve
 - Shoulder girdle Same action as lats:
(scapula – near Medial rotation,
inferior angle) to adduction, extension
humerus
(intertubercular
Teres Major groove  medial lip) Innervated by lower
- Runs with latissimus subscapular nerve
dorsi (C5-7)

Biceps brachii - long head: Flexion of

supraglenoid glenohumeral joint,
tubercle & runs flexion of elbow,
through bicipital supination of
groove radioulna joint
- Short head:
coracoids process Innervated by
- Distal attachment: muscular cutaneous
radial tuberosity nerve (C5-6)
- Two joint muscle

Triceps brachii - Long head: Extension of

infraglenoid tubercle glenohumeral joint,
- Lateral head: extension of elbow
posterior shaft of
humerus (lateral to
spiral groove) Innervated by radial
- Medial head: nerve
posterior shaft of
humerus (medial to
spiral groove)
- Distal attachment:
olecranon process
 Trapezius - Most superficial Upper: elevation,
muscle of back retraction, lateral
- Parallel - triangular rotation of scapula
radiate Middle: main
- Attaches external retractor of scapula
occipital Lower: retraction,
protuberance (base lateral rotation,
of skull), ligamentum depression of
nuchae, C7-T12 to scapula
lateral 1/3 clavicle,
acromion, medial Stabilise scapula to
end of scapular spine provide stable base
for RC muscles to
work off
Scapula rotates
when arm is fully
abducted to allow
full R.O.M ∴
position glenoid
fossa

Ventral rami of C3-4

innervate sensory
function

Spinal accessory
nerve (Cranial nerve
XI) innervate the
motor function
Levator Scapulae - Deep to trapezius Elevation of scapula
but superficial to
back muscles Stabilise scapula,
- Attaches superior providing stable base
angle of scapula to for RC muscles to
C1-4 transverse work off
processes
Innervated by
anterior rami of
spinal nerve C3-4
and dorsal scapular
nerve (C5)
Rhomboid minor - Medial border of Medially rotates
scapula at spinal scapula in adduction
base to C7-T1 & extension
spinous processes Retraction of scapula

Stabilise scapula,
providing stable base
for RC muscles to
work off

Position glenoid
fossa to allow full
range of arm
elevation

Innervated by dorsal
scapular nerve (C4-6
predominantly C5)
Rhomboid major - Medial border of Retraction of
scapula to T2-5 scapula, medial
spinous processes rotation
- Continuous with
rhomboid minor Stabilises scapula

Innervated by dorsal
scapular nerve
Pectoralis minor - Lies deep to Protraction, medial
pectoralis major rotation, & forward
- Attaches coracoids tilting of scapula
process to ribs 3-5
Stabilises scapula

Innervated by medial
pectoral nerve
(C8,T1)
Serratus anterior - Medial border & Lateral rotation &
inferior angle of protraction of
scapula (strong scapula
attachment) & wraps
around chest to ribs Holds scapula
1-8 against thoracic cage
& provides firm base
for rotator cuff

Innervated by long
thoracic nerve (C5-7)

Supraspinatus - Supraspinous fossa External rotation of

to greater tubercle humerus
Does NOT initiate
abduction

Stabilises
glenohumeral joint
with a medial force

Produces torque

Innervated by
suprascapular nerve
(C5)
Infraspinatus - Lies in infraspinous External rotation of
fossa on posterior humerus
surface of scapula to
greater tubercle of Stabilise
humerus glenohumeral joint
with medial force

Innervated by
suprascapular nerve
(C5)

Teres minor - Runs with External rotation of

Infraspinatus humerus
- Lateral border of
scapula to greater Stabilises
tubercle of humerus glenohumeral joint
with medial force

Innervated by
axillary nerve (C5-6)
Subscapularis - Lies in subscapular Only muscle to
fossa on anterior internally rotate
surface of scapula humerus
- Multipennate, strong
& powerful (55% of Stabilises
RC) glenohumeral joint
- Inserts at lesser with medial force
tubercle of humerus
Innervated by upper
and lower
subscapular nerve
(C5-C6)

Muscle Attachments Action/Function Image

Biceps brachii - long head: Flexion of
supraglenoid glenohumeral joint,
tubercle & runs flexion of elbow,
through bicipital supination of
groove radioulna joint
- Short head: coracoid
process Innervated by
- Distal attachment: musculocutaneous
radial tuberosity nerve (C5-6)
- Two joint muscle

Brachialis Distal 2/3 shaft of Elbow flexion

humerus to coronoid
process & tuberosity of Innervated medially by
ulna musculocutaneous
nerve and laterally by
Deep to biceps on radial nerve
humerus

Brachioradialis Upper 2/3 supracondylar Elbow flexion

ridge to distal lateral Neutral forearm
radius near styloid Elbow joint stabiliser
process
Innervated by radial
nerve (C5-6)
Anconeus Posterior lateral Elbow extension
epicondyle to lateral Stabilise ulna during
surface of Olecranon & rotary movements
proximal ¼ of lateral ulna
Innervated by radial
nerve
Triceps brachii - Long head: Extension of
infraglenoid tubercle glenohumeral joint,
- Lateral head: extension of elbow
posterior shaft of
humerus (lateral to Innervated by radial
spiral groove) nerve (C6-C8)
- Medial head:
posterior shaft of
humerus (medial to
spiral groove)
- Distal attachment:
olecranon process

Pronator Teres Medial supracondylar Pronation

ridge & medial
epicondyle & Pronator Innervated by median
ridge on ulna to middle nerve
of lateral surface of
radius

Only muscle to go
diagonally across
forearm

Pronator Lower quarter anterior Initiates pronation

quadratus surface of ulna to lower
quarter anterior radius Stabilises distal
radioulnar joint

Innervated by anterior
interosseous nerve

Supinator Lateral epicondyle, radial Supinates forearm

collateral ligament, & elbow extension
supinator crest & fossa
of ulna to posterior,
lateral anterior aspects
of radius
Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve
Flexor Carpi Medial epicondyle of Flexion of wrist
Radialis humerus to bases of Abduction (radial
metacarpals II & III deviation) of wrist
May aid in pronation
& flexion of elbow
Prevents unwanted
extension of wrist
while fingers extended

Innervated by median
nerve

Palmaris Longus Medial epicondyle of Weak flexor of wrist

humerus to flexor Alight action in flexing
retinaculum & palmar MCP joints as it
aponeurosis tightens palmar fascia

Innervated by median
nerve

Flexor Digitorum Medial epicondyle, Flexion of MCP & PIP

Superficialis coronoid process of ulna, joints
proximal 2/3 anterior Aids flexion of wrist
radius, bases of middle
phalanges of digits 2-5
Innervated by median
nerve

Flexor Carpi Medial epicondyle, Flexion of hand at

Ulnaris olecranon process of wrist
ulna, proximal 2/3 Adduction (ulnar
posterior ulna, hook of deviation) of hand at
hamate & base of wrist
metacarpal V Stabilises pisiform
Contains pisiform during little finger
abduction
Synergist in extension
of fingers, preventing
unwanted wrist
extension
 Innervated by ulnar
nerve
Flexor Digitorum Coronoid process of Flexion of DIP joint
Profundus ulna, proximal ¾ ulna, Also aids in flexion of
middle 1/3 interosseous PIP, MCP, & wrist
membrane to bases of joints
distal phalanges of digits
2-5
Innervated by anterior
interosseous branch of
median nerve

Flexor Pollicis Anterior surface of Only flexor of IP joint

Longus radius, adjacent of thumb (vital for
interosseous membrane, gripping activities)
base of distal phalax of Flexes MCP joint of
thumb thumb & wrist joint

Innervated by anterior
interosseous branch of
median nerve

Extensor Carpi Lateral supracondylar Extension of wrist

Radialis Longus ridge to base of Abduction of wrist
metacarpal II May help to flex elbow
joint
Synergistic role in
gripping

Innervated by radial
nerve
Extensor Carpi Lateral epicondyle to Extension of wrist
Radialis Brevis base of metacarpal III Abduction of wrist
May help to flex elbow
joint
Synergistic role in
gripping

Innervated by radial
nerve

Extensor Lateral epicondyle via Extension of MCP

Digitorum extensor aponeurosis joints
(dorsal digital expansion) Helps extend PIP &
to bases of middle & DIP joints
distal phalanges of digits Extension of wrist
2-5

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve

Extensor Digiti Lateral epicondyle to Assists extensor

Minimi dorsal digital expansion digitorum in extending
of digit 5 MCP joint of little
finger
Causes ulnar deviation
of little finger
Aids extension of wrist

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve
Extensor Carpi Lateral epicondyle, Extension of the wrist
Ulnaris posterior border of ulna, Adduction (ulnar
to base of metacarpal V deviation of wrist)

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve

Abductor Pollicis Proximal posterior of Puts thumb into mid-

Longus ulna, middle 1/3 extended & abducted
posterior radius, position
interosseous membrane, Helps extended thumb
to base of metacarpal I at CMC joint

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve

Extensor Pollicis Middle 1/3 posterior Extension all joints of

Longus ulna, interosseous thumb
membrane, to base of Assists extension &
distal phalanx of thumb abduction of wrist

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve
Extensor Pollicis Middle posterior radius, Extension of CMC &
Brevis interosseous membrane, MCP joints of thumb
to base of proximal May assist in
phalanx of thumb extension & abduction
of wrist

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve

Extensor Indicis Distal posterior ulna, Assists extensor

interosseous membrane, digitorum extend
to dorsal digital index finger
expansion of digit 2 Enables index finger to
be used independently
Aids extension of wrist

Innervated by
posterior interosseous
nerve branch of radial
nerve
Flexor pollicis Within the thenar Flexion of thumb at
brevis eminence CM & MCP joints

Distal border of flexor Continued action

retinaculum & tubercle produces medial
of trapezium, deep rotation of tumb
attachment to capitate &
trapezoid, to radial side
of the base of the
proximal phalanx

Abductor pollicis Most lateral & superficial Abducts thumb at CM

brevis in thenar eminence & MCP joints

From flexor retinaculum

onto tubercles of
scaphoid & trapezium to
radial side of base of
proximal phalanx

Opponens pollicis Covered by abductor Produces opposition

pollicis brevis of thumb, draws
metacarpal I forward
From flexor retinaculum & medially
& tubercle of trapezium,
to lateral half of anterior
surface of metacarpal I
Adductor pollicis Web space of thumb on Brings thumb back to
palmar aspect palm from abduction
(adduction)
- Oblique head:
sheath of tendon of
flexor carpi radialis,
bases of metacarpals
II, III, & IV, trapezoid,
capitate
- Transverse head:
longitudinal ridge on
anterior surface of
shaft of metacarpal
III
Both heads insert on
medial side of base of
proximal phalanx of
thumb
Flexor digiti Lateral side of abductor Flexes MCP joint of
minimi digiti minimi little finger
From hook of hamate &
flexor retinaculum, to
base of proximal phalanx
of little finger (ulnar side)

Abductor digiti Most superficial Pulls little finger away

minimi hypothenar eminence from ring finger
(abduction)
From pisiform,
pisohamate, & Helps flex MCP &
pisometacarpal extend IP joints
ligaments to ulnar side of
proximal phalanx of little
finger & dorsal digital
expansion
Opponens digiti Deep to abductor digiti Pulls little finger
minimi minimi towards palm &
rotates it laterally at
From hook of hamate & CM joint
flexor retinaculum to
medial ½ palmar surface
of metacarpal V

Lumbricals Tendons of flexor Flex MCP joints while

digitorum profundus, extending PIP & DIPs
dorsal digital expansion,
to bases of distal Provide versatility of
phalanges II-V altering grip

Palmar Interossei Shafts of metacarpals I, Adduct thumb, index,

II, IV, & V, dorsal digital ring, & little finger
expansion, to proximal towards middle finger
phalanges of digits I, II,
IV, & V

Dorsal Interossei Shaft of metacarpals I-V, Abductors of index,

dorsal digital expansion middle, & ring fingers
to proximal phalanges of Can rotate index finger
digits II-IV at MCP joint